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is very frequently performed with a vigour that resembles the pump- 

 ing of Notommata syrince. At the same time the body is made 

 to assume various curves, and the integument is thrown into sharp 

 angles. The foot is also occasionally drawn completely within the 

 body by a similar action. The skin of the body, at several points, 

 forms transverse infoldings, or telescopic joints, like the segments of 

 a caterpillar, but less permanent. 



It commonly keeps the ear-like lobes concealed while crawling ; 

 but will often suddenly protrude them, and in the same instant shoot 

 off through the water with considerable rapidity, and with a smooth, 

 gliding motion, partially revolving on the longitudinal axis as it 

 proceeds. 



Like most of the class, this Notommata is predatory. I once saw 

 one eagerly nibbling at the contracted body of a sluggish Rotifer 

 vulgaris; the mouth was drawn obliquely forwards (see B), and 

 the jaws were protruded to the food so as to touch it. It did not 

 appear, however, to do the Rotifer much damage. Another, which I 

 kept for some days, I supplied with Euglena viridis in abundance ; 

 some of which it ate, for the stomach, which had been empty, 

 became full of green masses. I once saw it devouring one ; the 

 jaws broke it into three or four morsels, which then passed through 

 the duct behind, and were received into the stomach. I think it 

 chiefly fed on Monads, which were numerous ; for though I could 

 not see any enter, it frequently used the vigorous syringe-like action, 

 withdrawing the gizzard almost to the foot-base, and then the jaws 

 worked for a while. 



